LABS4CHANGE – Social Innovation Labs for the Promotion of Equality, Diversity, and Non-Discrimination in Higher Education Institutions
LABS 4 CHANGE is a project funded by the Erasmus+ program under Grant Agreement 2024-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000248544. Officially launched on 1st September 2024, will run until 31st August 2026, with a budget co-founded by the European Union of €400,000. This project unites renowned organisations from Spain, Greece, and Germany to develop innovative tools and frameworks to address systemic inequalities and enhance inclusive educational practices.
Why LABS4 CHANGE Matters
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the critical importance of addressing equality and diversity in higher education institutions, particularly through the lens of intersectionality.
Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, has become a fundamental concept in understanding and addressing the complex layers of discrimination and inequality that individuals face in various settings, including universities (Claeys-Kulik et al., 2019). This approach examines how different forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, and classism, intersect and affect individuals in unique ways (Kantola & Nousiainen, 2009). Meaning that there is no simple solution to the challenge and it requires considering an inclusive approach to diversity based on social justice, not exclusively on assessing outcomes related to employability or graduation rates.
This is the context where LABS4CHANGE: Social Innovation Labs for the Promotion of Equality, Diversity, and Non-Discrimination in Higher Education Institutions project has been created, bringing together organizations with a solid track record in social innovation and a strong commitment to equality.
Labs4Change Partnership
Coordinated by Mondragon Unibertsitatea – Faculty of Business Studies (Spain) the consortium includes esteemed partners:
- University of Thessaly (Greece): with long achievements in participatory audits and the development of localized strategies for equity.
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT DORTMUND (TUDO) (Germany): Leaders in social innovation research and systemic change in their region.
- 2811 Social Enterprise UG (Germany): A consultancy firm specialized in training and empowering change agents.
- DINAMIA S. Coop. Mad. (Spain): A cooperative consultancy firm specializing in social economy and the design of impactful awareness strategies.
LABS 4 CHANGE Aims:
Through a participatory approach, the project aims to:
- Establish Social Innovation Laboratories (Living Labs) within universities to co-create practical solutions for identified challenges.
- Develop an Interactive Online Academy and a webinar series offering training on gender-related topics to university staff, students, and stakeholders.
- Conduct Participatory Audits to identify discriminatory biases and recommend improvements within HEIs.
- Build a Network of Change Agents dedicated to promoting inclusive education across Europe.
Key Outcomes and Impact
By the end of the project, the LABS 4 CHANGE consortium will have achieved:
- The creation of three Social Innovation Laboratories (Living Labs) dedicated to addressing local challenges through co-creation and collaboration.
- Implementation of two pilot audits assessing institutional policies and practices related to gender and diversity.
- Development of ecosystem maps illustrating inequality and inclusion dynamics within universities and their communities.
- Formation of a network of local experts and stakeholders committed to fostering cultural change.
- Accessible resources and training tools that will be available through a Virtual Learning Platform.
Why collaborate with us:
LABS 4 CHANGE offers a unique opportunity for Universities and organizations to create a cooperation network to lead the transition towards more inclusive and equitable educational environments. We actively seek collaborations with HEIs, research centres, and advocacy organisations interested in implementing our tools, sharing best practices, and co-creating solutions tailored to their communities’ specific needs.
This initiative is part of the Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships framework, aiming to strengthen the capacity of organisations to operate at the transnational level, enhance the quality and relevance of their activities, and contribute to social innovation across Europe.
Where to find us:
Stay informed about our progress and become part of this transformative project by following us on our official channels:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/labs4change-project-88921435a
For more information and collaboration inquiries, contact us at: labs4change@mondragon.edu (Sayuri Alvarado Tanamachi)
You can also reach some of our team members for specific inquiries:
- Academy and webinar series for staff, administration, and students: Malu Landaberea
- Social Innovation labs (Living labs) design and implementation: Karina Maldonado-Mariscal
- Design and implementation of an Audit tool: Ainhoa Pipaon
- Communication and dissemination strategy: Efstathia Kointsanou